Archive: November - 2017 (1)

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While looking for the next opportunity or evaluating your current one, there are so many factors to consider that you might overlook a company’s diversity practices, despite an increasing public spotlight on the topic. However, with even Silicon Valley role models such as Facebook falling short of their ambitious diverse hiring goals, it’s no surprise that diversity initiatives are making it on to the radar of companies and candidates regardless of industry or size. Many companies are choosing to build diversity objectives into their core concepts, impacting everything from the hiring process to employer branding.

Recent findings in industry trends are showing that diverse hiring is more far-reaching than one would think. Companies who instill these values from day one tend to be rated higher for intangibles, such as overall employee satisfaction. From the bottom-line to notoriety and resume boosters, here are three reasons why working for a company who values diversity is a smart career move:

1.Financial success. While diversity and inclusion might not seem like issues that would impact the budget, current trends have shown otherwise. A 2015 McKinsey & Company study found that companies with greater gender diversity and ethnic diversity are respectively 15% and 35% more likely to have financial returns above the national industry medians. PagerDuty, a Silicon Valley favorite, made headlines last year for hiring their first female CEO and has since received their largest funding round yet. In a similar success story, JellyVision, recent winner of a Best Tech Workplace for Diversity Timmy Award, has almost reached gender-parity within the organization and recently raised $20M in funding. Consumers and investors vote with their dollars, and working for a company that values diversity can provide you a financially stable workplace.

2.Work environment. Having a variety of decision makers at the table leads to forward thinking business solutions, and working in an environment that exposes you to this is a great way to develop your career. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds provides a voice to uncharted ideas, opens the door to innovative problem-solving processes, and gives a unique perspective to the discussion. Additionally, most companies who have these values provide continued learning programs and educational seminars to encourage employees to further their knowledge. While a forward-thinking work environment can be more challenging than a typical workplace, it will open the door to invaluable career experience you might not otherwise receive.

3.Industry leadership. Being a part of a company that receives attention for diversity efforts can be just as valuable as working at one known for the most revolutionary technology – in terms of what makes a desirable candidate background. The placement of a forward-thinking company on your resume will always catch a hiring manager’s eye, and being a thought leader in diversity is no different. For instance, your credibility rises working for an industry leader such as Lever, which is highly praised for having a 50:50 gender ratio and recently got a barrage of positive press surrounding their 2017 Diversity and Inclusion Handbook. A variety of awards have been created to honor employers’ efforts, and Jobspring Partner’s own Tech in Motion event series launched the “Timmy Awards” to recognize great work cultures across the nation – even adding an award to recognize diversity and inclusion this year. Ensuring that companies are recognized for their workplace achievements not only encourages innovation, but also extends the benefit to employees who have been part of the development.

While all job seekers might have a long list of boxes to check off when searching for a new role, adding a box for diversity will aid you in finding the best work environment to further your career. Diversity can impact everything in a business from funding to employee satisfaction and is a smart item to keep on your “must-have” list as you make your next career move.